ABSTRACT
This research investigates the intricate relationship between self-concept and criminal intent among youth in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study aims to comprehensively explore how various dimensions of self-concept, including self-esteem, selfefficacy, self-identity, and self-image, influence criminal intent in this demographic. Utilizing a quantitative research design, 400 youth participants were selected through a multistage sampling technique, ensuring diverse representation across demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. Data collection employed structured questionnaires with four sections: demographics, a self-concept scale, a brief self-concept scale (BSCS), and a criminal intent scale developed and validated for this study. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data, while inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, scrutinized relationships between self-concept dimensions and criminal intent. Preliminary findings indicate significant associations between self-concept components and criminal intent, offering valuable insights into the motivational factors driving youth involvement in criminal activities. The final report will present a comprehensive analysis of these relationships, advancing our understanding of youth behavior within the context of self-concept and its impact on criminal intent. Ethical considerations were paramount, with participants providing informed consent, emphasizing voluntary participation and data confidentiality. The research findings hold promise for informing policies and interventions geared toward reducing youth engagement in criminal activities, fostering safer and more prosperous communities. This study underscores the vital role of self-concept in shaping youth behavior, shedding light on potential avenues for intervention and support to steer them away from criminal activities and towards positive, productive futures.
